Lobanov-Rostovsky D.I. (1758-1838), statesman

LOBANOV-ROSTOVSKY Dmitry Ivanovich (1758-1838, St Petersburg), Prince, statesman and military leader, Infantry General (1807). A descendant of the ancient line of Rurik Dinasty. Served in the military from 1779, took part in the Russo-Turkish War of 1787-91, and the Polish Campaigns of 1792 and 1794. From 1799-1806, he went into retirement. In 1807, he conducted negotiations for a truce with Emperor Napoleon I in Tilsit, signing the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807. In 1808-09, he was the Petersburg Military Governor, responsible for the capital's safety over the course of the Russo-Swedish War of 1808-09. In 1810-12, he was Governor-General of Estland, Livonia and Courland. During the Patriotic War of 1812, by Emperor Alexander I's instructions, he supervised the forming of reserve forces, which was called the Reserve Army from early 1813. From 1813, he was Member of the State Assembly (taking office upon returning to Russia in 1815). In 1817-27, he was Minister of Justice; in 1822, he rejected Emperor Alexander I's suggestion to head the Ministry of defence. In late 1825, during the period of interregnum, at the suggestion of Senators Lobanov-Rostovsky and M. A. Miloradovich, many officials and troops swore allegiance to Grand Prince Konstantin Pavlovich. In 1826, at the behest of Emperor Nicholas I, Lobanov-Rostovsky took the post of General Public Prosecutor in the Supreme Court on the case of the Decembrists. He was buried at the Porcelain Plant Cemetery near St Petersburg (grave not preserved).